Races for Vermont Legislative Leadership Take Shape Ahead of Education Reform Debate

New legislative leaders will take charge in Montpelier as both chambers prepare to tackle Vermont property taxes and statewide education reform.

The Democratic House speaker and Senate president pro tem are not returning for the upcoming legislative session. WCAX reported that incoming Democratic supermajorities will choose leaders in January to set the agenda, what bills are taken up, and whether and how they will work with Republican Governor Phil Scott.

Four candidates are competing for the House speaker position. Among those running are Lori Houghton, a Democrat from Essex Junction; Gina Galfetti, a Republican from Barre Town; Kate McCann, a Democrat from Montpelier; and Charlie Kimbell, a Democrat from Woodstock. Lawmakers will decide the contest via a secret ballot when the Legislature convenes in January, leaving open whether winning candidates will need to offer policy concessions to secure votes.

In the Senate, Democrats control 20 of the 30 Senate seats, but the caucus faces internal divisions over school spending and property tax pressures. Two Democratic senators are vying for the president pro tem position: Washington County Sen. Andrew Perchlik and Chittenden County Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale.

Races for Vermont legislative leadership take shape ahead of education reform debate — WCAX Channel 3 News

Outgoing state Sen. President Phil Baruth, D/P-Chittenden County, described the functional difference of the leadership office, comparing legislative momentum with and without institutional backing.

“It’s the difference between hauling the rock up the mountain yourself or having a huge vehicle come along with a chain that takes it up for you. In the pro tem’s office, you have the chain and the truck,”

said Baruth, according to WCAX.

Baruth pointed to last year’s legislative battles over mandated school district consolidation, an effort he supported alongside Governor Scott to attempt to rein in school spending. He advanced the education reform bill with the bare number of votes to get it through, alienating parts of the Democratic caucus.

“At the end of the day, there were some folks that were really disaffected by that vote. In Vermont you can only vote yes or no, you can’t vote present. And sometimes that loses you a friend,”

Baruth told WCAX.

Governor Scott stated he remains open to collaborating with legislative leaders on pressing matters, though he stressed that it’s essential that lawmakers continue with the education reforms.

“I’m afraid if we don’t do anything with education transformation, property taxes will go up, or another tax will fill the need,”

Gov. Phil Scott said.

Should the incoming leadership block the initiative from advancing, Baruth cautioned that Democrats might again shoulder the blame for sharp tax increases and face a repeat of the 2024 red wave.

Minority leadership roles are also locked in for the upcoming term. Rep. Pattie McCoy (R-Poultney) will serve as the House Minority Leader, while Senator Scott Beck (R-Caledonia County) will serve as the Senate Minority Leader.